Manchin and Barrasso's energy bill offers a complex trade-off

Senators Joe Manchin and John Barrasso's new energy bill proposes speeding up permits for renewable energy transmission but requires concessions for fossil fuel projects.

Lylla Younes and Gautama Mehta report for Grist.

In short:

President Biden's climate agenda emphasizes infrastructure subsidies to support clean energy projects, but these face delays due to lengthy permitting processes.
Manchin and Barrasso's bill aims to simplify the approval of new power lines while easing fossil fuel project permits, sparking concerns among environmental groups.
The bill's success depends on bipartisan support, weighing climate benefits against increased fossil fuel infrastructure.

Key quote:

“This bill does not need to sacrifice anyone. In fact, it should sacrifice no one and serve everyone.”

— Jasmine Jennings, senior legislative counsel at Earthjustice

Why this matters:

Balancing the need for clean energy infrastructure with fossil fuel interests is a significant challenge in the U.S. energy transition. The proposed bill highlights the difficulty of achieving bipartisan support while addressing environmental concerns.

grist.org

Manchin and Barrasso's energy bill offers a complex trade-off

Philippines climate protests spotlight whether money is reaching the most vulnerable

Newsom presents California as reliable partner at U.N. climate talks

France's Fontainebleau forest serves as ‘laboratory' for climate change adaptation

China’s emissions level off as renewables surge, signaling possible peak

LA’s clean air future is being built by Black women

‘It will never be forgiven’: UN climate chief warns world to act or face disaster

As U.S. and E.U. retreat on climate, China takes the leadership role

Multiple Houston-area oil and gas facilities that have violated pollution laws are seeking permit renewals

One facility has emitted cancer-causing chemicals into waterways at levels up to 520% higher than legal limits.

Pennsylvania health advocates say Trump’s first 100 days in office have caused “100 harms” to local communities

“They're terrorizing these scientists because they want to keep them silent.”

Regulators are underestimating health impacts from air pollution: Study

"The reality is, we are not exposed to one chemical at a time.”

Two years into his term, has Gov. Shapiro kept his promises to regulate Pennsylvania’s fracking industry?

A new report assesses the administration’s progress and makes new recommendations

An open letter from EPA staff to the American public

“We cannot stand by and allow this to happen. We need to hold this administration accountable.”

New evidence links heavy metal pollution with wildfire retardants

“The chemical black box” that blankets wildfire-impacted areas is increasingly under scrutiny.